Since the festival's humble beginnings, when it featured just 19
documentaries, the number of films has doubled. And it has expanded its
reach by traveling to more Mexican cities as well as a number of
international locations including the United States, Britain, Ireland
and Cuba.

“The one word that you can’t associate with Ambulante is ‘elitist,’
” Luna told the crowd Friday, responding to accusations from a member
of the news media that the festival was created as a way for the actors
to make more money.

The contrary would seem to be true. Many of the films in the
festival will be free, and for those screenings that have entrance
fees, students will get discounts.

Ambulante helps distribute films by up-and-coming documentary
filmmakers and gives grants to help producers and directors get films
made.

The actors and the director of the festival, Elena Fortes, said they
wanted to challenge the assumption that documentaries are boring, and
they hope to appeal to young viewers as much as possible.

Ambulante (a Spanish word meaning a street vendor or a temporary market stall) is supported by Canana Films, the production company owned by Garcia Bernal and Luna; the cinema chain Cinepolis; and the Morelia International Film Festival.
It will run from Feb. 6 to April 9 in more than 70 venues, including
public plazas, cultural centers and museums as well as Cinepolis
screens in 16 cities.

Of the 44 documentaries featured in the festival, nine are Mexican.
The festival will also feature a special section on Swedish
documentaries.

You can find information about screenings, a full list of the documentaries in the festival and related events on the official website.